Truth 101 Class

  Deuteronomy 25:1-10 give instructions on humane justice, considerate treatment of animals, and the practice of levirate marriage to preserve family lineage. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-3 How does God show mercy and compassion to me, even when I am guilty? Verse 4 The apostle Paul applied this verse in 1 Corinthians 9:9 and 1 Timothy 5:18 to share with those who labor in ministry.  In what ways might we enjoy the fruit of our labors for the Kingdom of God? Verses 5-10 Levirate marriage was beautifully applied in Ruth 4:1-17 but legalistically used by the Sadducees to test Jesus in Matthew 22:24, Mark 12:19, and Luke 20:28.  How do I view God's laws, and how does that affect the way I apply them in my life?

  Deuteronomy 24:1-22 provide instructions on marriage and remarriage, loan pledges, leprosy, personal responsibility, and care for the needy, particularly sojourners, orphans, and widows. Israel is to act with compassion, remembering that they were once slaves redeemed by God. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-5 In Matthew 19:8, Jesus said " Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so ."  In what areas of my life might a hardened heart keep me from following God's better plan? Verses 6-22 How do these laws reveal God's heart for the poor and needy? How might remembering that God redeemed me from slavery to sin move me to show greater compassion towards others? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Because I Remember" (Deuteronomy 24): Link

  Deuteronomy 23:1-25 emphasize:  Holiness - Those who enter the assembly of the LORD must not be mutilated, illegitimate, or from enemy nations.  Purity is also required within the camp. Compassion - Escaped slaves are to be given refuge and fellow Israelites are not to be charged interest on loans. Integrity - Abominable practices are to be avoided, vows to God are to be fulfilled, and greed is to be resisted, especially when benefitting from a neighbor's property. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-14 What do these laws reveal about God's holiness and the requirements for entering His presence? [NOTE: Consider God's compassion for the outcast (e.g., Isaiah 56:1-8) and the cleansing we receive through Jesus (e.g., 1 John 1:7) ] Verses 15-25 How might these laws guide me in practicing compassion and integrity in my personal life and within my community? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, follo...

  Deuteronomy 22:1-30 provide instructions that emphasize love for neighbor, community responsibility, and moral integrity. Also emphasized is the importance of being set apart by honoring God's created distinctions. And the sexual morality laws particularly relate to the seventh (" You shall not commit adultery ") and tenth (" You shall not covet ") commandments. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 Verses 1, 3, and 4 repeat the instruction to not "ignore" helping a neighbor. In what ways do I live out the command to love my neighbor?  Verses 5-11 How well does my life reflect that I am set apart for God? Verse 12 Numbers 15:39 says " And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the LORD and do them. " Is there anything I wear that helps to remind me to obey the LORD? Verses 13-30 What is my reaction to how far our culture has...

  Deuteronomy 21:1-23 provide instructions related to the fifth (" Honor your father and your mother "), sixth (" You shall not murder "), and seventh (" You shall not commit adultery ") commandments.  These include atonement for unsolved murders, regulations for marrying female captives, inheritance rights, and punishment for rebellious sons. This passage concludes with guidelines for executing those sentenced to death by hanging on a tree. This foreshadows Christ, who "redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for ... cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” (Galatians 3:13). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-9 What does the atonement sacrifice demonstrate to me? Verses 10-14 How does God's laws reflect His care for human dignity and the value He places on each person? Verses 15-17 What can I learn from moments when I have chosen personal preference o...

  Deuteronomy 20:1-20, despite giving instructions about warfare, reveal a God who cares.  God encouraged Israel not to be afraid, promised victory, allowed exceptions from battle, offered peace to distant cities, and prohibited cutting down trees during sieges.  Even the destruction of Canaanite cities was meant to protect Israel against idolatry.  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 How can I trust God and overcome fear in the battles I face today? Verses 5-9 What distractions, priorities, or fears might hinder my service to the LORD? Verses 10-18 What happens when people reject the peace that God offers? Verses 19-20 God promised Israel blessings from trees they did not plant (see Deuteronomy 6:11), and these verses show His care in preserving them.  Similarly, how has my past obedience to God helped to bring lasting blessings in my life? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, followi...